Incoming storms prompt early school dismissals as Maryland braces for damaging winds

John Romero and Luke Parker, The Baltimore Sun on Mar 16, 2026

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BALTIMORE — A powerful storm system expected to move across Maryland on Monday could bring damaging winds, heavy rain, hail and possible tornadoes, prompting Gov. Wes Moore to declare a state of preparedness and local school systems to announce early dismissals.

The National Weather Service forecasted rain and possible thunderstorms before 4 a.m. Monday with a low of 52 degrees. There is a 90% chance of rain, with the forecast calling for as much as a half-inch of rainfall before commuters hit the road Monday morning and wind gusts reaching nearly 25 mph.

Conditions are expected to worsen as the day progresses, with more showers and thunderstorms developing into the early afternoon. The intense storm system may result in severe thunderstorms across Maryland as well as Virginia and the District of Columbia, with the possibility of damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes. Heavy rain and lightning are also possible throughout Maryland, even as the forecast calls for a high of 69 degrees.

In preparation for the expected storm system, some regional school districts have made announcements.

Baltimore City Public Schools will release students two hours early Monday. Additionally, several of the city’s recreation centers will be closed to start the week, while others will close at 1 p.m., including Rita Church Community Center, Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center and the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center.

Schools in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Calvert and Montgomery counties will also dismiss early Monday, in addition to postponing various afternoon programs and field trips.

Elementary school students in Cecil County will be dismissed at noon, and secondary school students will be sent home at 11 a.m. Monday.

Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County announced that schools and administrative offices would close three hours earlier than normal.

McDaniel College also announced it would be closing at 1 p.m.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Maryland under a Level 4 of 5 “moderate” risk for severe weather, a designation that suggests severe storms could be widespread.

The time frame for torrential rain and stormy conditions is expected to be 1 to 7 p.m. Monday. Wind gusts could pick up considerably, potentially reaching 70 to 80 mph, which could lead to downed trees, power outages and damage to structures. Last week’s storms caused more than 10,000 power outages across Maryland.

On Sunday, Moore declared a state of preparedness ahead of the incoming storm system. Officials warned of increased risks from high winds, hail and possible tornadoes throughout the state as the system makes its way from Western Maryland and moves east through Monday evening.

The state of preparedness allows for the streamlining of coordination and information sharing among agencies before a potential emergency escalates.

“I am urging residents to prepare early, stay informed, and adjust plans, including postponing travel, as conditions change,” Moore said in a statement.

Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland added: “We are planning for the possibility of hazardous conditions which could include debris, downed power lines and travel disruptions.”

The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management will activate the Emergency Operations Center at 1 p.m. Monday, according to a news release from the mayor’s office. City agencies are monitoring the weather.

Baltimore residents are advised to avoid flooded roadways, report downed trees and power lines and to report malfunctioning traffic signals. Residents are advised to report any downed trees and branches, flooded drains and streets, power outages, infrastructure damage and debris in roadways.

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